V 12, No 25 Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 Retirement wave subdued; but the locals are coming Legislators will face tests from mayors, local officials “And so here we are in By BRIAN A. HOWEY in Indianapolis the White House, Jerry, About that wave of retirements predicted after the legislator health care for life issue surfaced? honoring the great It didn’t happen. Only Chicago White Sox. State Rep. David Yount retired, and that was for busi- I’m proud to be with ness reasons. Only you. God bless your Democratic State Reps. John Aguilera of East Chicago and championship.” octogenarian Ben GiaQuinta –– President Bush, hor- of Fort Wayne, of Lafayette, Jeff Espich of ing the 2005 World Series Uniondale were unfiled at champions, last Monday today’s deadline. Party State Rep. (right) will face former senator and sources tell HPR that Espich Mishawaka Mayor Bob Kovach in November. (HPR Photo) and Klinker are expected to run for another term. Alicia Lopez-Rodriguez has filed for Aguilera’s HD12 seat. She The Howey Political Report is published lost to Aguilera by a narrow margin in 2004. No Democrat has filed for the GiaQuinta by NewsLink Inc. It was founded in 1994. seat, though sons Phil and Mark, a former Fort Wayne Councilman, could be expect- ed to run if the incumbent decides to retire. Republican Kevin Howell has filed for Brian A. Howey, Publisher HD80. Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington Writer But there are 26 primaries involving legislative districts, and 20 involve chal- Jack E. Howey, Editor lenges to incumbents. Subscriptions: Most, like those facing State Reps. William Crawford, Charlie Brown, Phyllis $350 annually HPR via e-mail; Pond, Ed Mahern, , Mae Dickinson, Billy Bright, Ralph Foley and Matt $550 annually HPR & HPR Daily Wire. Whetstone are more of an irritant than a credible challenge. Call 317-254-0535. But primary races involving State Sens. Allen Paul and State Reps. Mary Kay Budak, Rich McClain, Linda Lawson and Woody Burton are considered credible. Of The Howey Political Report that group, only Budak and Lawson are considered to be particularly vulnerable. PO Box 40265 Budak is facing LaPorte school board member . Budak claims she will Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. get a gubernatorial endorsement, but Gov. Mitch Daniels’ office will not comment. www.howeypolitics.com Rep. Lawson fended off a primary challenge in 2002 from Kathleen Pucalik [email protected] Indianapolis Office: 317-506-0883. Daniels hits the road for Major Moves p. 4 Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. Washington, DC Office: 202-256-5822. HPR Interview: Speaker p. 5 Business Office: 317-254-0535. Bayh sketches foreign policy goals p. 6 ©2006, The Howey Political Report. All rights reserved. Photocopying, Internet for- Roemer campaigns for Ellsworth p. 7 warding, faxing or reproducing in any form, in whole or part, is a violation of federal law Columnists: Tully, Shapiro p. 8 and is strictly prohibited without consent of the publisher. Horse Race: Lugar unopposed p. 9 HOWEY Political Report Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 and supported by Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott, but she survived. This time, she faces Lake County Councilman Ron SD41 Horse Race Tabacynski, who is seeking to regain his seat. Both the Budak and Lawson races are rated “Tossups” by HPR. The other big story we’ve been watching involves local elected officials taking on legislators. State Rep. Woody Burton is facing Johnson County Council President Ron West and McClain will defend his seat against Cass County Commissioner Rick Eller. State Sen. Allen Paul is being chal- lenged by Richmond City Council President Bruce Wissel. While all these races will be worth considerable scrutiny, we believe the incumbents are favored. Having said that, there are some significant wild cards that could come into play, Sen. Garton (right) laughs as Sen. Luke Kenley defends the including the switch to Daylight Saving time in April and an legislator health care package. (HPR Photo by Brian A. expected spike in property taxes, with some increases coming Howey) for homeowners in early May. In the fall, eight current or former local officials are Senate District 41: Republican: Senate President Pro lined up against incumbents that include Sens. Garton (former Tempore Robert D. Garton, Greg Walker. Democrat: Terry Columbus city attorney Terry Coriden and Waterman Coriden. 1998 Results: Garton 26,499. 2002 Results: (Vincennes City Councilman Steve Thais), and Reps. Dave Garton 21,918 , Gividen (L) 3,350 . 2006 Forecast: On Crooks (Washington school board trustee Ron Arnold), Steve Wednesday morning when he was asked about whether Heim (former Knox mayor and senator ), he would file for re-election, Sen. Garton said, “We’ll find Jackie Walorski (former Mishawaka mayor Bob Kovach), Tim out.” A little more than 24 hours later, he was in, and one Harris (Blackford County Commissioner Larry Hile), and of the most intriguing legislative campaign sequences was, Budak, if she survives (LaPorte Councilman Andrea Renner). enjoined. Garton filed for office at 1:15 p.m. today. It came While these challenges from local officials are more less than 24 hours after he scaled back some of the life- than in ordinary years, they fell short of what might have time health insurance programs that ignited considerable been, given the frustration many mayors, county commission- controversy. In doing so, he refused to reveal actuarial ers and council members were feeling about local control. data about the program’s initial costs. It followed a week- After the 2005 budget was passed, many local official chafed end in which Garton received some terrible press coverage at House Republicans lauding no tax increases while many (Brian Howey and Matthew Tully columns; Monday Star were forced to raise local taxes or cut programs. editorial). Garton opponent Terry Coriden has said he will The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns initiated raise health care issues in his fall campaign. Walker told the “Hometown Matters” tax plan, which has hit the legislature HPR that he was urged to get in the race by national and with a resounding thud. state Right to Life activists, though former senator Dick Republicans in both houses are ardently subverting Thompson told HPR today that Indiana Right to Life would bills that would allow greater flexibility in consolidation. not get involved. If Walker plays to the RTL constituency “They are protecting their friends in township govern- and damages the incumbent, that could impact the fall ment,” Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson charged while lunch- race. Garton is a master politician when it comes to inside ing with members of the media today. He predicted a wave of the Statehouse intrigue. But he hasn’t been seriously chal- fire budget increases and property tax hikes as the result of lenged since 1994 when he won easily with a huge GOP the inaction. wave behind him. This time, speculation is that the wave The new wrinkle in the Friday noon filing deadline is will be going in the Democrats’ direction and a couple of that candidates will have until next Tuesday to officially with- loaded issues - health care and property taxes - could be draw. Both parties will have the option of recruiting candidates dangerous. After Garton’s “we’ll find out” quip, he laughed and filing them this summer. and suggested that some in the media wanted to see him At the Congressional level, none of the incumbents is retire. To the contrary, senator, this should be a fascinating sequence. He enters the primary as a prohibitive favorite. expected to have primary nomination problems. Challengers Primary Status: LIKELY GARTON. General Status: , and are expected to LEANS GARTON.  easily win nominations.  HOWEY Political Report Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Retirement Watch List (Unfiled House incumbents) Aguilera, Espich, GiaQuinta, Klinker, (as of Feb. 16). Expected to Retire: State Rep. David Yount . Contested Legislative Primaries Democratic HD 1: State Rep. Linda Lawson vs. Lake County Councilman Ron Tabacynski. HD3: State Rep. Charlie Brown vs. Herb Smith Jr. HD 2: State Rep. Earl Harris vs. Drake Morris. HD8: State Rep. vs. Roseland Council President Dorothy Snyder. HD22: Allen Lee Dunnagan vs. Larry Rensberger HD39: Savail Majid vs. Rusty Skoog. HD 71: State Rep. Carlene Bottorff vs. Steven Stemler. HD87: Todd DeGroff vs. Leona Glazebrooks HD95: State Rep. Mae Dickinson vs. Lewis Peterson. HD97: State Rep. Ed Mahern vs. Tyler H. Grough HD98: State Rep. William Crawford vs. Edwin Lews Jones Sr. Republican State Rep. Budak (left) has both primary and HD19: Eric Hammond vs. T.J. Wigmore. general election foes. State Rep. Larry Buell HD 20: State Rep. Mary Kay Budak vs. LaPorte School Trustee Tom Dermody. (right) may have dodged a bullet. (HPR HD24: State Rep. Rich McClain vs. Cass County Commissioner Rick Eller. Photo) HD40: State Rep. Matt Whetstone vs. Jon Marquess. HD47: State Rep. Ralph Foley vs. Brenda Buster. HD55: Union County Councilman Tom Knollman vs. T. Scott Bevington. HD57: Shelbyville Councilman Rob Nolley vs. Shelby County Councilman , Karen Frazier, Marvin Pavlov. HD58: State Rep. Woody Burton vs. Johnson County Council President Ron West. HD69: State Rep. Billy Bright vs. Brent Mullikin. HD85: State Rep. Phyllis Pond vs. Denny Worman HD90: State Rep. Mike Murphy vs. Brian Canter. HD89: State Rep. Larry Buell vs. Michael Batz SD6: State Sen. Sue Landske vs. Crystal Hall. SD27: State Sen. Allen Paul vs. Richmond City Council President Bruce Wissel. SD41: Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton vs. Greg Walker.

General Election Races with local officials HD13: State Rep. Don Lehe vs. Newton County Sheriff Myron Sutton. HD17: State Rep. Steve Heim vs. former senator and Knox mayor Nancy Dembowski. HD21: State Rep. Jackie Walorski vs. former Mishawaka mayor Bob Kovach. HD20: State Rep. Mary Kay Budak or LaPorte School trustee Tom Dermody vs. LaPorte City Councilwoman Andrea Renner HD 31: State Rep. Tim Harris (R) vs. Blackford County Commissioner Larry Hile (D) HD63: State Rep. Dave Crooks (D) vs. Washington School Trustee Ron Arnold (R). SD39: State Sen. John Waterman (R) vs. Vincennes Councilman Steve Thais (D). SD41: Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton vs. former Columbus City Attorney Terry Coriden

 HOWEY Political Report Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Indianapolis, which could begin as soon as 2008. "Close to Governor hits the road $1 billion ... we wouldn't have been able to do it." By BRIAN A. HOWEY During the meeting, some speakers applauded the Gov. Mitch Daniels is taking his show on the road for windfall the lease deal could bring for road projects statewide, the fourth consecutive year. In 2003 and 2004, it was all while others voiced concern about the possibility of outsiders about capturing the governorship. managing the highway. In 2005, he toured the doughnut counties around "It is your road. I don't begrudge anybody for having Indianapolis and successfully sold tax increases in seven of that point of view," the governor said. the eight very Republican counties for the Colts stadium. Most questions raised Wednesday, while skeptical, Now, it’s all about Major Moves. seemed to indicate an appreciation of Daniels’ willingness to “This is not an opportunity we should come out into the communities and discuss the matter. pass up,” Daniels told a packed crowd in In answering a variety of questions, Daniels said that Angola (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). With unlike government, a private company would be able to the opening question, a bearded John secure other capital for necessary improvements to the Toll Hughes told Daniels that he opposed the Road, and would have a great deal of motivation to see the plan, as did most of the county. venture succeed. “You rammed it down our throats just “They are taking the risks, not us,” Daniels said. “The like Daylight-saving time,” Hughes said. No. 1 assurance is that they would do what they need to do The Journal Gazette reported: When to make it succeed.” Hughes told Daniels he looked forward to vot- The Truth reported: Several residents said they had ing against him in 2008, he was met with Gov. Daniels shed their initial skepticism of the toll road proposal and now applause. But when he called the governor a favor it. Only a few openly criticized the Republican governor, “dictator,” the majority of the crowd disagreed and seemed to with one man dubbing Daniels' plan "Major Mistakes." shift support to Daniels. At the Elkhart meeting, Daniels said he was unfazed Next was a trip to Elkhart City Hall and another by comments that call his transportation plan hazardous to packed chamber. the political careers of the governor and lawmakers who sup- The Elkhart Truth reported in its lead paragraph: port it. "You may be right about your political analysis," Without the broad transportation-funding plan that includes Daniels told one of his critics, "but that's not that important to leasing the Indiana Toll Road, the state would have to nix me right now. We're here to try to do what's best for the long-promised highway projects such as U.S. 31, Gov. Mitch state." Daniels said Wednesday. The governor continues the tour on Friday with an 8 "If nothing else, this is entirely motivated to build a a.m. stop in Crown Point followed by a noon event in LaPorte. better future," Daniels said of the proposal, which awaits Key lawmakers said it is critical for Daniels to make the sales review by a Senate committee after narrowly passing the pitch. House this month. "I don't think I'll ever have a chance to “The key will be for the governor and elected officials bring you an(other) idea this positive." to communicate adequately the tremendous opportunity the He spoke to dozens of critics and supporters of the initiative brings to the table,” House Speaker Brian Bosma told plan during the two-hour meeting at Elkhart City Hall. The HPR. State Sen. Marvin Riegsecker, R-Goshen, told HPR, standing-room-only crowd, which included several local and “He has to get out and sell it.” state lawmakers, appeared to exceed the 100-person maxi- The political stakes are high. If Daniels fails to pass mum occupancy posted on a sign outside the meeting room. Major Moves, it would be a crippling blow to his governorship, Sleeves rolled up on his forearms, Daniels stood at and should Republicans lose the House this fall, could find the front of the room and answered questions about the toll the legislative environment hostile. Already, political opposi- road proposal -- a controversial measure that has become a tion is mounting. Former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Kovach is focal point of the General Assembly's short session. challenging State Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville. He framed the venture as an alternative to cutting Walorski represents a 56 percent GOP district. road projects or raising the fuel tax, a traditional way of gener- Kovach, said St. Joseph County Chairman Butch Morgan, ating money for highway construction. “became increasingly upset over the last couple of weeks "U.S. 31 would have been one of the first (projects) to over a lack of respect for St. Joseph County.” That includes go," he said of upgrading the road from South Bend to the county’s lack of inclusion in an eastern RDA plan.  HOWEY Political Report Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Bosma surveys roads, health, taxes Bosma: Affordable health care is one of the toughest issues we deal with in the General Assembly. The solutions By BRIAN A. HOWEY are not readily obvious. Many companies and corporations INDIANAPOLIS - HPR sat down with House Speaker around the country are looking at this issue and making tough Brian Bosma on Monday to survey the session. decisions with regard to retirees and current employees. So it HPR: What are your members hearing on the legisla- didn’t make me feel very good that the legislators weren’t tor health insurance issue when they go back to their Third going through this. Now we’re with the majority of Hoosiers. House meetings? HPR: Is this something the state can Bosma: A lot of Hoosiers are aware of the address, or is it more of a national issue? prior health care program in the House because of Bosma: It really is more of a national issue. the strong media attention to the issue. House A national problem, a national crisis. There are things Republicans took the lead on bringing that program the state can address to ease the burden for small to an end. business people. HPR: The word is that if Democrats regain HPR: Jackie Walorski had a tough town hall control, Rep. Bauer is telling his members he will meeting in Lakeville and is now facing Bob Kovach. How do reinstitute the program. Have you heard this? you think she did? Bosma: I have. I probably shouldn’t even answer Bosma: She did a very good job of cutting through that. I have had people tell me that. I have made clear to the rhetoric of the opposition. Jackie, , Marlin those who have mentioned it to me, under no circumstances Stutzman, many of the others who represent the corridor would I allow a change in that program go unchallenged, counties are telling me that once people hear the story and either from the minority or the majority. This program was put get the commonly asked questions answered, the opposition in place in an unusual fashion and I don’t think it should ever that is so easily drummed up at this point melts away. The be quietly placed on the books again. If there was a change, I key will be for the governor and elected officials to communi- would insist it be an open process. cate adequately the tremendous opportunity the initiative HPR: This thing came in under the radar, yet Sen. brings to the table. Garton insists there were public hearings. HPR: Sens. Meeks and Kenley are making changes Bosma: I understand how and why the program was in the Senate, particularly the toll moratorium for commuters. put into place. The program itself isn’t necessarily wrong. The Will that endanger passage in the House? election that was made by a prior speaker that placed retired Bosma: We’ll deal with the changes and the ideas legislators in a better position than current serving legislators and changes and try to craft a consensus bill that gives the was way out of line. The fact that legislators were not benefits of the program, addresses the questions raised in required to participate in the Medicare program like virtually both the Senate and the House. every other American was way out of line. Those were the pri- HPR: The Senate also took swipes at the property mary portions of the program that were just beyond the pale tax bill in the House, of anything reasonable. I felt the only way to counter that was Bosma: We’ll continue to work with the Senate to to go in the exact opposite direction and just remove the sub- provide property tax relief for homeowners this session. It’s sidy for retirees altogether. critical for the state and every taxpayer. The bill deserved a HPR: Have you heard any actuarial data that pegs few swipes with the symbolic vote to do away with property the unfunded costs to taxpayers? taxes. But the core of the bill, to capture the growth in welfare Bosma: The data that I’ve seen is all preliminary. was good public policy. From my perspective, it was unreliable. None of the figures HPR: What can Hoosier taxpayers expect if nothing that were discussed were anywhere near the figures that happens this session? were bandied about in the media for awhile. Regardless of Bosma: The changes that will occur without action the fiscal impact to the state, it was really an issue of fair- will be more than any of us would like to see. So we’re going ness. to work hard to make sure we have some consensus before HPR: Do you believe this situation might prompt the we leave the building.  legislature to address affordable health insurance for every- one? HOWEY Political Report Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

homeland and winning the hearts and minds of Muslims Bayh sketches foreign policy worldwide. "I don't think the administration has articulated in Willingness to take on issue praised, post-9/11 terms how we win in those areas," he said. some policy details questioned By MARK SCHOEFF JR. A muscular approach to Iran The Howey Political Report One area Bayh is emphasizing is policy toward Iran. WASHINGTON--Sen. Evan Bayh's efforts to sketch a Warning that the country could be within months of producing new Democratic approach to foreign policy--and carve a niche a nuclear weapon, he introduced a Senate resolution in for his likely presidential campaign--have received political January calling on the to work with the United praise but some policy skepticism. Nations Security Council immediately to enact aggressive In a speech at a Washington think tank earlier this economic, political and diplomatic sanctions on Iran. month, Bayh outlined what he termed a "tough and smart" Critics say the measure, which has not yet received strategy that counters chief White consideration on the Senate floor, trun- House political adviser Karl Rove's cates diplomacy. Bayh counters that call for Republicans to make national Iran will only change its behavior if it security the central theme of the feels threatened by tough action. 2006 elections. In the meantime, the Senate "You have thrown down the did pass an Iran resolution unanimously gauntlet, and I will pick it up," Bayh on Jan. 27 that condemned Iran for fail- said rhetorically to Rove. He went on ing to comply with nuclear nonprolifera- to castigate the Bush administration tion obligations, praised European for ignoring threats from North Korea Union efforts to halt Iran's uranium and Iran while conducting the Iraq enrichment efforts and called on the war with "stunning incompetence." International Atomic Energy Agency to He advocated placing immediate report Iran to the UN National Security U.S. Sens. Evan Bayh and John McCain. The comprehensive sanctions on Iran to Council. The IAEA did so at a meeting Republican led a recent New Hampshire poll, while halt the country's nuclear ambitions earlier this month. Bayh polled 1 percent. (HPR Photo) and recommended increasing the The successful Senate reso- U.S. Army by 100,000 troops. lution was written by Sen. Richard A prominent Hoosier Democrat agrees with Bayh's Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. thrust. "Democrats cannot run from national security, we must It didn't mention sanctions, which the Bush administration is run because of national security," said former Rep. Tim avoiding while it works with the EU to put diplomatic pressure Roemer, who served on the 9/11 Commission and is now on Iran. A potential wildcard in the standoff is whether Iran will president of the Center for National Policy. "We need to make retaliate by cutting off its vast oil supplies to the world market. sure Americans can feel safe and secure with a Democrat The United States over the years already has put talking about national security." several strictures on Iran. Daalder said the Bush administra- It is imperative for Democrats to go beyond domestic tion is proceeding toward further Iran sanctions about as well policy, said one expert. "Democrats, if they want to play in the as it can. "I'm not sure how you get to sanctions other than presidential game, have to play in the national security the way the administration has done at the moment, which is arena," said Ivo Daalder, a former National Security Council through the IAEA board and the National Security Council," official in the Clinton administration and now a senior fellow at he said. the Brookings Institution. "You can't win in presidential politics Foreign Policy Political Points Whether he scores pol- if you have only half a policy." icy points on national security may not matter as much to For the Democrats to take back the House and Bayh as achieving political traction with it. There seems to be Senate this year and the White House in 2008, they have to general agreement that his speech garnered notice in make the case that President Bush was misguided in empha- Democratic circles. sizing Iraq, Roemer said. The administration has "oversimpli- "It was the first time in this campaign I've seen a fied the importance of Iraq in the war on jihadism. Iraq is part sound bite on the evening news from Evan Bayh that generat- of the answer but not the primary answer or the only priority." ed the reaction: 'This was a really nice hit by him'," said Chris Roemer cites three crucial national security areas-- Sautter, a Washington political consultant who is originally transforming the military to fight terrorism, protecting the U.S. from Indiana and has worked Hoosier races for more than 20 HOWEY Political Report Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 years. where he spent the first part of this week on the hustings. Sautter, a veteran of two presidential campaigns, said According to news reports, his "presidential exploratory cam- Bayh's tough-and-smart formulation is a "memorable phrase. paign" visited Cedar Rapids for a speech and breakfast, Iowa It takes a lot of those to elevate your candidacy to the point City for a meeting with local leaders, Ottumwa for a fundraiser where you're a real contender." and Des Moines to meet with Democrats in the state legisla- Bayh has vowed to take his national security mes- ture (Louisville Courier-Journal). sage on the road this year to help Democrats win seats in He made a bit of a splash in Des Moines when he November. Two of the most competitive are in southern pledged to support Iowa's Democratic state lawmakers in the Indiana. Sautter recommends that Bayh put a lot of resources fall campaign to help them regain control of the state into his party's effort to defeat incumbent Republicans John Legislature, according to Mike Glover of the Associated Hostettler in the 8th CD and in the 9th CD. Press. "I wanted to establish a strong partnership," Bayh told "If we don't win the 8th and 9th, it's inevitable that Glover. "If we're going to have a strong national Democratic people will question whether he's effective," Sautter said of Party it's got to start at the grassroots level, in Statehouses, in Bayh's ability to carry a "red" state. "People are going to say the city halls, in the county courthouses." 'prove it.'"

Little support in New Hampshire Democratic poll Bayh's leadership PAC spending: Stingy or shrewd? New Hampshire voters have heard a version of A Feb. 14th article distributed by Bloomberg provided Bayh's tough talk previously. Speaking before 600 of the an analysis of recent Federal Election Commission filings that state's influential Democrats at a fundraiser in Manchester indicate Bayh's leadership PAC - All America PAC - is ranked last October, he slammed the White House on North Korea sixth in Congress, noting that he has given only 4.8 percent in and military deployment, according to the Concord Monitor. support of other federal candidates and committees, com- Apparently, the crowd was not swayed - the Monitor of Feb. pared with an average of 22 percent for the top 25 PACs. 12th reported that the Hoosier senator polled just one percent Bayh fared better than Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who among persons likely to vote in that state's Democratic prima- gave 1.8 percent. ry, finishing well behind Hillary Clinton (32 percent) and unde- Watchdog groups are calling for tighter regulations for cided (31), and trailing John Edwards (9) and John Kerry and all lawmakers' leadership PACs, in part because they have Wesley Clark (7 each). multiplied - more than 40 percent of the members of Congress now have them - and because some have veered Testing The Waters In Iowa from their original purpose of contributing to other candidates, Perhaps Bayh will make a better impression in Iowa, according to the news account. - Mark Curry 

Trade Center couldn’t talk to fire- Roemer stumps for Ellsworth fighters inside. He said the same By BRIAN A. HOWEY thing happened on the Gulf Coast TERRE HAUTE - Former Indiana congressman and with helicopter rescuers not having 9/11 Commissioner conducted a town hall meet- the proper equipment to radio ing with 8th CD candidate Brad Ellsworth and gave Congress authorities on the ground. “That’s a failing grade for improving national security. making us unsafe.” And he scoffed “We made 41 recommendations,” Roemer said of the at a $50,000 offer from 9/11 Commission. “Half of them passed Congress.” He said Bangladesh to help New Orleans that of the measures, an analysis showed 12 were D’s, five rebuild. “Bangladesh!” Roemer were F’s and the rest were imcompletes. said in amazement. “If my children brought home report cards like this, Ellsworth, the Vanderburgh they’d be repeating,” Roemer said. “We must do better.” County sheriff, said he has gotten He said that the Department of Homeland Security’s federal training money, but really handling of Hurricane Katrina should be another wake up call needs radios. for Americans. Roemer appealed to the 60 Sheriff Brad Ellsworth (right) “The biggest problem for first responders is communi- people in the room on Ellsworth’s and former 911 Commis-sion- cation.” He noted that on Sept. 11, those outside the World behalf. “Help this guy,” he said.  er Tim Roemer. (HPR Photo) HOWEY Political Report Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Leslie Stedman Weidenbener, Louisville fronting Iran, but he is far from alone in his get-tough stance. Courier-Journal - It seems as if Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan to The always-square-in-the-middle-of-the-road Sen. Clinton lease the Indiana Toll Road probably is gaining enough steam declared in a foreign-policy address at Princeton last month, to pass before the session ends in mid-March. That $3.85 bil- "We cannot take any option off the table in sending a clear lion bid -- money that will largely be used to pay for other message to the current leadership of Iran -- that they will not highway projects including the Ohio River bridges at Louisville be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons." It is easy to draw -- is just too good for many lawmakers to pass up. Sure. such lines in the dust three years before any Democratic There are some questions, even among Daniels' fellow president would be forced to act on them, but there is also a Republicans who control the House and Senate. The House risk that such threats may ultimately sound as hollow as passed the bill that authorizes the deal only after adding demanding Osama bin Laden "dead or alive." Just as Iraq some additional benefits for legislative districts near the toll was always a neoconservative obsession, Democrats can road. And although state senators had some questions during easily get caught up in an I-told-you-so single-mindedness  their initial review of the proposal, the Republicans seemed about Iran. fairly content with it. The big question, though, is whether the General Assembly also will grant the governor broad authority Matthew Tully, Indianapolis Star - I really had no to strike similar deals and other public-private partnerships for  intention of spending this year's General Assembly session road projects in the future. taking whacks at Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton. Honest I've actually always considered the old-school Walter Shapiro, Salon - Indiana Democrat Evan Columbus Republican one of the state's more intriguing politi- Bayh was well aware of just who was at a neighboring table cal characters. As a columnist, I appreciate intriguing charac- in the Senate dining room last Thursday as he tried to explain ters. And with his deep laugh and deep gaze, Garton seems why he advocates force as a last resort to halt the Iranian like a politician out of a 1950s-era movie. Maybe that's the nuclear program. In the corner was John McCain, a hard-liner problem. You might recall that I wrote a column a few weeks on Tehran who has taken the lead in stressing that "the mili- ago poking fun at Garton for not spiking a wildly excessive tary option cannot be taken off the table." Both senators are lifetime health-care perk for current and future ex-lawmakers. probable presidential contenders (McCain the favorite in the Garton didn't like the column, but he still hasn't spiked the Republican winter book and Bayh one of several centrist perk. He stood by it. That's what old-school politicians do. Democrats vying to become the pragmatic alternative to Nonetheless, Garton's stubborn defense of the perk is not Hillary Clinton). And it does not take much of a leap to imag- why he is the star of today's column. Nope. Today I'm writing ine Bayh and McCain sounding similar refrains in the New about Garton because of a bill he recently killed. The bill, pro- Hampshire primary as Iran replaces Iraq as the dominant for- posed for the second year in a row by Gov. Mitch Daniels, eign-policy issue of the 2008 campaign. McCain's no-nukes- seeks to go after the pensions of some government workers - nohow position flows naturally from his promise of "rogue- - such as excise police and gaming agents -- who take bribes state rollback" in his 2000 race for the White House. But or otherwise rip off the state. So I walked over to Garton. I Bayh's stance symbolizes something simultaneously politically asked him why. His answer included "procedures" and "study intriguing and potentially dangerous for the out-of-power committees." He worried the bill did not "address every single party. For suddenly the Democrats see in Tehran's ill-con- instance that can come up." Garton took the easy out. He cealed quest for nuclear weapons an issue that allows them acted amid talk of amending the bill to include scofflaw law- to boast, "I ran to Bush's right on national security.” As we makers -- not a popular idea with some lawmakers. The prob- talked about Iran over lunch, Bayh took pains to underscore lem was that passing the bill without lawmakers would be a his "awareness that the use of force is not a panacea and bad public relations move. So Garton did the easy thing. He there will be adverse consequences to that as well." But the shelved the bill. Still, Garton is not the only one at fault. Some two-term senator and former governor also stressed, "We're Democrats opposed the bill because unions opposed it. Sen. talking about nuclear weapons in the hands of a state that Sam Smith, D-East Chicago, told me he voted against the bill aids and abets terrorism, with an apocalyptic and unstable in committee because he was asked to by "somebody back leader who is also deeply hostile to us." Bayh may have been home." He would not elaborate beyond saying the bill oppo- picturing what it might be like to sit in the Oval Office weigh- nent was a woman who could lose her state pension. Hmm, ing conflicting recommendations about how to forestall a who could lose a pension under the bill? Only felons who nuclear-armed ayatollah when he said with a sigh, "It's going stole from the state. Is that a solid source of advice for a state to be a tough one." Bayh may be a bit more open than other legislator?  Democrats about discussing the implications of militarily con- HOWEY Political Report Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006

Bush at 39 percent in Gallup poll 140,496 (54%) Donnelly (D) 115,513 (45%) 2006 Forecast: Donnelly is officially in the running for 2nd district congress- TRENDLINE No. 1: A USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll of man once again. Donnelly filed with St. Joseph County as a 1,000 adults (+/- 3%), conducted over February 9-12, shows: candidate Wednesday. The congressional candidate spoke at 39% "approve of the way George W. Bush is handling his job the county-city building later Wednesday afternoon. Back in as President"; 56% disapprove; 4% had no opinion. Trendline No. 2: A House panel investigating the fed- November 2004, Donnelly lost the race to . eral government response to Donnelly explained Wednesday why he decided to run again Hurricane Katrina blasted the for the congressional seat. He said, "When I ask myself why I Department of Homeland ran for congress again, the answer is very clear. I love this Security's handling of the dis- community and these people. And folks, it's time for a change aster, and singled out in the United States of America.” Chocola, after a recent tele- Secretary Michael Chertoff for vision program, mused that if he is defeated this fall, it will be criticism. The criticism was due to matters in which he wasn't even involved (Colwell, seen by media sources as South Bend Tribune). First of all, Chocola doesn't intend to especially noteworthy because the report, due out on lose. Nor does President Bush intend to let him lose. Thus, Wednesday, was written by House Republicans. ABC lead Air Force One again will land in South Bend, bringing the with the story, while CBS and NBC ran it just after their lead president here on Feb. 23 for another major fundraiser for reports on the Vice President's hunting accident. ABC World News Tonight (2/13, lead story, 2:55, Gibson) reported, Chocola. Also, Chocola has a point about things in which he "When Republicans issue a scathing report on the was not involved being a potential source of trouble. The con- Administration, that's a bit of a surprise. Later this week, a gressman was thinking of matters such as the leasing of the Republican-led investigation will brand the Bush Toll Road, the daylight-saving time squabble and the congres- Administration response to Hurricane Katrina a national fail- sional scandals that have forced changes in Republican ure. The language of condemnation is some of the strongest House leadership. Chocola has no vote on the Toll Road heard in a long time." ABC (Raddatz) added, "The report is lease. Nor did he have a vote on setting Hoosier clocks. still in draft form. But it's hard to imagine the final version Those were not matters before Congress. Nor has he been could be any worse." linked to any sleazy deals with lobbyists. Sure, he received campaign help from Tom DeLay, now the poster boy for 2006 Congressional Races sleazy deals. But DeLay, as would be expected of a leader, U.S. Senate: Republican: U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar. was helping any Republican House member in a competitive Democrat: Open. 1988 results: Lugar (R) 1,430,525, district. While lack of involvement is good when a scandal Wickes (D) 668,778. 1994 results: Lugar (R) 1,039,625, breaks, it was bad for the district in another matter, in the Jontz (D) 470,799, Bourland (L) 17,343, Barton (A) 15,801. view of Joe Donnelly, the Granger Democrat who appears 2000 Results: Lugar 1,425,150, Johnson(D) 680,046, Hager likely to be his party's challenger against Chocola for the sec- (L) 33,896. 2006 Forecast: With less than one day before fil- ond time. Take the Toll Road. Or, rather, don't take the Toll ing deadline, it looks as if Lugar may go unopposed. Status: Road. That's what a clear majority of residents in northern SAFE LUGAR. portions of the 2nd District have been saying in response to Congressional District 2: Republican: U.S. Rep. Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan to lease the Toll Road to a Spanish- Chris Chocola. Democrat: Steve Frances, Joe Donnelly. Australian consortium for 75 years for $3.85 billion. Although Geography: South Bend, Michigan City, Mishawaka, Elkhart, this is not a matter before Congress, Donnelly urged Chocola Kokomo, Plymouth, Logansport; LaPorte, St. Joseph, Starke, to use his influence with fellow Republican Daniels to try to Marshall, Pulaski, Fulton, Cass, Carroll and parts of Howard, convince Daniels to abandon the leasing of the Toll Road. Porter, Elkhart and White counties. Media Market: South Chocola stayed out of involvement in the leasing issue. And Bend-Elkhart, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Chicago. People: whether any mortal could have persuaded the governor to Urban/rural 73/27%; median income $40,381; Poverty 9.5%; steer in a different direction on the Toll Road is doubtful. Race 84% white, 8% black; 5 Hispanic; Blue/white collar: Status: Leans Chocola 34/50%. 2000 Presidential: Bush 53%, Gore 44%; Cook Congressional District 3: Republican: U.S. Rep. Mark Partisan Voting Index: R+5; 2002 Result: Chocola 95,081 Souder. Democrat: Fort Wayne Councilman Thomas (50%), Long Thompson 86,253 (46%); 2004 Result: Chocola HOWEY Political Report Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006

Hayhurst, Kevin Boyd, Edward W. Smith, Thomas Schrader. tance of four USAID employees as a pass through entity." Geography: Fort Wayne, Goshen; Kosciusko, Whitley, Status: Likely Souder LaGrange, Steuben, DeKalb and parts of Elkhart and Allen Congressional District 7: Republican: Ron Franklin, counties. Media Market: South Bend-Elkhart, Fort Wayne. Eric Dickerson. Democrat: U.S. Rep. , Bob People: Urban/rural 65/35%; median income $44,013; Race: Hidalgo, Kris Kiser, Joseph “Hippie Joe” Stockett. 87% white, 6% black, 4.5% Hispanic; Blue/white collar: Geography: Indianapolis. Media Market: Indianapolis. 36/52% 2000 Presidential: Bush 66%, Gore 33%.Cook People: Urban 99.7%; median income $36,522; poverty 13.5%; race white 63, black 29.4%, Hispanic 4.4%, Asian Partisan Voting Index: R+17. 2002 results: Souder 92,566 1.3%; blue/white collar 26/58%; 2000 Presidential: Gore (63%), Rigdon 50,509 (34%). 2004 Results: Souder, Parra 55%, Bush 43%; Cook Partisan Voting Index: D+6. 2002 2004 Results: Souder 171,389 (69%), Parra 76,232 (31%). Results: Carson 77,478 (53%), McVey 64,379 (44%). 2004 2006 Forecast: Officially kicking off his congressional cam- Results: Carson 121,303, Horning (R) 97,491, Campbell (L) paign Monday, Hayhurst said in Goshen job creation, afford- 4,381. 2006 Forecast: Rep. Carson said at last Saturday’s able health care and veterans services will be key issues in Marion County Democratic slating, "They couldn't beat me his bid to unseat Rep. , R-Fort Wayne (Elkhart out, so they wanted me to die off, that didn't work either. If we Truth). Hayhurst is running in Indiana's Third District, which had the money that they spent against me, we could feed includes all but the northwest corner of Elkhart County. "I'm every hungry child," Carson said. Kiser announced on running for Congress because everywhere I go people tell me Tuesday. “I know how this government and this Republican they're worried about the direction our country is heading," Congress work. Sad to say I believe we've gone astray,” Kiser said. “I believe that preparing our youth for the future is said the Fort Wayne City Councilman and retired physician. more important than making the rich richer. I believe that He spoke to about 20 supporters and observers during an properly arming and training our troops that are serving this afternoon news conference at Schrock Pavilion, which fol- nation honorably in this poorly conceived and executed war is lowed an earlier press event in his hometown. "I'm running for more important than driving Exxon and Halliburton stock up. I Congress because everywhere I go people tell me it's time for believe healthcare and honest debate is more important than our government to focus on what really matters: affordable dishonoring our great constitution by spying on our citizens. I health care, creating and keeping good jobs, safeguarding believe that addressing poverty and affordable housing is America, investing in education, preserving Social Security more important than polluting the air and earth for profit.” and treating our veterans fairly," said Hayhurst, who served Kiser said he would not run a negative race against Carson. as an Air Force medical officer during the Vietnam War. “I have genuine respect for the incumbent and her many Souder wrote Randall Tobias, US Global Aids Coordinator, years of dedicated service to Hoosiers. This campaign will be charging that USAID personnel deliberately set up a non-gov- conducted on the serious issues facing everyday working men and women in this district. For those wishing a tradition- ernmental organization (NGO) precisely to hide deliberate vio- al political campaign, negative and mean spirited: you will be lations of a federal law which forbids US financial support of disappointed…I share her values of inclusion and believe in a pro-prostitution activity (MichNews.com). It came to light true democracy, for inclusion of all citizens regardless of some months ago that a group in Indian called Sampada color, sexual orientation or economic condition. Primary Grameen Mahila Sansthat (SAMGRAM) was working to stop Status: LIKELY CARSON. other groups from helping underage girls out of prostitution. It Congressional District 9: Republican: U.S. Rep. was further charged that SAMGRAM was receiving US finan- Mike Sodrel. Democrat: Baron Hill, Gretchen Clearwater, cial assistance, a violation of the US Leadership Against Lendall Terry, John “Cosmo” Hockersmith. Media Market: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, which for- Evansville (11%), Indianapolis (23%), Louisville (55%), bids US funds from being used "to promote or advocate the Dayton, Cincinnati (10 percent). People: urban/rural 52/48%, legalization or practice of prostitution of sex trafficking." median income $39,011; race white 94%, 2.3% black, 1.5% USAID has denied the charge and a USAID staff member told Hispanic; blue/white collar: 34/50%; 2000 Presidential: Bush Congressional staff that such inquiries by the subcommittee 56%, Gore 42%; Cook Partisan Voting Index: R+8. 2004 were "destructive." In his letter, Souder says he has come Presidential: Bush 59%, Kerry 40%. 2002 Results: Hill into possession of documents that "prove that USAID money 96,654 (51%), Sodrel 87,169 (46%). 2002 Money: Hill financed the pro-prostitution SANRAM though a second orga- $1.144m, Sodrel $1.62m. 2004 Results: Sodrel 142,197, Hill nization called Avert, which was established with the assis- HOWEY Political Report Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

140,772, Cox (L) 4,541. 2006 Forecast: Former Rep. Baron Sutton is a former horse groomsman, a jail guard and admin- Hill (D-Ind.) is relying on his base to provide him with a victo- istrator who worked his way up the sheriff department since ry through the primary in a rematch against Sodrel (The 1987. Status: LEANS LEHE Hill). However, Hill said in a recent interview he had never House District 17: Republican: State Rep. Steve seen the Democratic base in the district so “fired up. It’s Heim. Democrat: Nancy Dembowski. 2004 Results: Heim never easy. If you had to measure this race by others I have 14,100, McLiver (D) 8,321, Foley (I) 854. SD5 Results: Heinold (R) 24,753, Dembowski (D) 24,398. 2006 Forecast: run, I’m doing much better,” Hill said. He said he was confi- Dembowski finally files. In a normal election cycle, Heim dent his record would serve as an asset on the campaign would be in relatively good shape. But with the controversies trail. “If you have the experience in sports or in business — surrounding the toll road lease and time zone switch, and the more practice you have the easier it is,” he said. Primary Dembowski’s history as a mayor and former senator, this is Status: SAFE HILL. going to be a race worth watching. Status: LEANS HEIM House District 20: Republican: State Rep. Mary Kay Budak, LaPorte School Trustee Tom Dermody. Democrat: 2006 State Races LaPorte City Councilman Andrea Renner. 2002 Results: House District 1: Republican: Open. Democrat: Budak 12,551, Gillon (L) 2,540. 2004 Results: Budak 12,944, State Rep. Linda Lawson, Lake County Councilman Ron Spevak (D) 10,013, Schadowsky (L) 1,038. 2006 Forecast: Tabacynski. 2002 Results: Lawson 5,867, Myra Rosenbloom The Dermody campaign is questioning Budak’s assertion that (R) 3,012. 2004 Democratic Primary: Lawson 2,963, Pucalik Gov. Daniels will endorse her in April. The Governor’s press 2,684. 2004 Results: Lawson, 11,926, Baffa (R) 7,820. 2006 office would not comment. The winner of the Budak-Dermody Forecast: Tabaczynski will try to return to the state primary will face Councilwoman Renner. Budak said the Legislature (Dolan, Times of Northwest Indiana). He served in health benefits package for legislators was quietly added to a the 1990s as a state representative for Hammond. He is in bill in 2001 that passed (Przybyla, LaPorte Herald-Argus). “All his fourth year on the County Council, where he represents a of us voted for that because it was a really good bill. (But) district containing most of Hammond and Munster. Primary over the last year we have been discussing this and I Status: TOSSUP. thought, ‘What?’ This just doesn’t look right,” Budak said. House District 8: Republican: Marcus Barlow. Budak said she spoke to Bosma about how the benefits plan Democrat: State Rep. Ryan Dvorak, Roseland Council wasn’t fair to the rest of state employees. Some state law- President Dorothy Snyder. 2002 Results: Dvorak (D) 10,949, makers who retired the past few years from the General Baxmeyer (R) 9,008 . 2004 Results: Dvorak (D) 19,457. Assembly are wealthy and don’t need the sweet plan, Budak 2006 Forecast: Dorothy Snyder, president of the Roseland said. “These are business owners and lawyers and they want Town Council, wants to turn over a new leaf in the Indiana health insurance the rest of their lives (at a lower cost). Holy House of Representatives (South Bend Tribune). The seat is man,” she said. Meanwhile, Budak, “a widow on a fixed held by Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, who introduced a bill income,” who will face Tom Dermody of LaPorte in the that would force elected officials who don't pay child support Republican primary May 2, said she has no plans to retire out of office. That includes Dorothy Snyder's husband and fel- this year and take advantage of the health plan. Primary low Roseland Town Council member David Snyder. The chal- Status: TOSSUP lenge didn't seem to faze Dvorak, who is seeking re-election. House District 21: Republican: State Rep. Jackie "The difference in the way we represent our constituents is Walorski. Democrat: Bob Kovach. 2002 Results: Mangus clear," he said. "I'm glad to leave it up to voters to decide who 10,722. 2004 Results: Walorski 13,753, Kaser (D) 7,737. would best represent them in the General Assembly," Dvorak 2006 Forecast: Rep. Walorski finds a heavyweight in Bob said. Primary Status: SAFE DVORAK. Kovach, the former senator and mayor of Mishawaka, and a House District 15: Republican: State Rep. Don Statehouse Mainstay during the O’Bannon days. Former Lehe. Democrat: Newton County Sheriff Myron Sutton. 2002 Elkhart County Democratic Chairman Don Metzger had filed, Results: Lehe 9,975, Baranowski (D) 5,641. 2004 Results: but will drop out and support Kovach. But the district is at Lehe 16,623, Childress (D) 8,153, Bell (L) 565. 2006 least 56 percent Republican. Kovach will obviously try to tape Forecast: Lehe will be challenged by Sheriff Sutton. With the into the time and toll road controversies. For that reason, we entry of the sheriff, we will be watching this race closely as will keep a close eye on this one. Having said that, Walorski sheriff’s bring a political organization that Lehe’s past two handled a potentially tricky town hall meeting in Lakeville opponents haven’t had. Lehe has won easily twice, but this quite well earlier this month. She is warming up to Gov. year he will be dealing with the toll road lease issue. Sheriff Daniels’ recent references to JFK’s “Profile in Courage” where HOWEY Political Report Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 it is the duty of public servants to inform and lead their con- than more of the empty promises we've all heard year after stituents. If Walorski finds herself in political trouble late this year. And Phil Hoy votes against it? It's unconscionable." Hoy summer or early fall, this race could be a precursor to a retorted the bill "saddles us as a state with a 75-year lease. Democratic takeover of the House. Status: LEANS It's also a lease most likely with a company not based in the WALORSKI United States. That company can be sold." Hoy said House District 45: Republican: State Rep. Bruce President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who initiated the interstate Borders. Democrat: Mike Bledsoe. 2002 Results: Chowning system, envisioned the system serving defense as well as 9,627, Borders 9,337. 2004 Results: Borders 13,878, transportation needs. "I don't want to see it leased to busi- Chowning 10,643. 2006 Forecast: Mike Bledsoe, a nesses in other countries," Hoy said. Hoy said a district sur- Democrat from Farmersburg, will challenge State Rep. Bruce vey showed that 60 percent of those responding are Borders (Franklin, Linton Daily World). “I think that the people "opposed to the privatization of anything in the state of of the 45th District deserve better representation than what Indiana." An online survey had shown that a high percentage they're getting,” Bledsoe said. “I think their views need to be opposes Major Moves." Smith blasted Hoy for disparaging expressed in the legislature.” Bledsoe is a former high school Aussies. “While we appreciate Rep. Hoy’s strong commitment principal at North Central High School in Greene County. to national defense, we can’t help but wonder what he has Status: LEANS BORDERS. against Australia, the home country of the company most like- House District 56: Republican: Open. Democrat: ly to finance the new interstate under the proposed leasing Rep. Phil Pflum. 2002 Results: Pflum 6,511, Hamm (R) agreement,” Smith said. “Australia has not only been a faithful 6,096. 2004 Results: Pflum 10,645, Yanos 9,382, Bell (L) ally in the War on Terror, it has never once attacked the 661. 2006 Forecast: Pflum is, thus far, unopposed. Given the United States in the entire history of our two great nations,” competitive nature of this district, that’s a surprise. Status: said Andrew Smith, Hoy’s Republican challenger in the SAFE PFLUM upcoming elections. “To suggest that Australia—or renegade House District 57: Republican: Shelbyville Australians—might use our highways to stage attacks against Councilman Rob Nolley, Shelby County Councilman Sean the United States is not only irresponsible, it is deeply unfair,” Eberhart, Edward Dundas, Karen Frazier, Marvin Pavlov. Smith continued. Primary Status: LEANS HOY Democrat: J.D. Lux. 2002 Results: Stine (R) 8,384, Wheeler House District 88: Republican: House Speaker Brian (D) 5,429, Jester (L) 508. 2004 Results: Messer (R) 16,004 Bosma. Democrat: Susan Fuldauer. 2004 Results: Bosma .2006 Forecast: J.D. Lux, the former Shelbyville city attorney 23,289, Gordon (L) 2,132. 2006 Forecast: A public relations and a former aide to Attorney General Jeff Modisett will try to director for an insurance company plans to challenge capture the seat that eluded him in 2000, when he lost to Republican Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma for his seat Sheriff Michael Herndon, 10,903 to 9,745. Lux poses a in November (Associated Press). The Marion County formidible challenge to Republicans in holding on to this seat Democratic Slating Committee on Saturday chose Susan being vacated by State Rep. . Primary Status: Fuldauer to run against Bosma, who was first elected to the TOSSUP House in 1986. "Indiana is teetering on the edge of a new era House District 77: Republican: Andrew G. Smith. in government," Fuldauer said in a news release. "Hoosiers Democrat: State Rep. Phil Hoy. 2004 Results: Hoy (D) are becoming tired and frustrated with old-style politicians 11,308, Hennig (R) 9,804, Garrett (I) 1,285. 2006 Forecast: running our state government." Fuldauer, 49, is public rela- Unconscionable. That's what the likely Republican challenger tions director for American Income Life. We don’t believe the to Rep. Phil Hoy, D-Evansville, called Hoy's vote against a way this district is drawn is condusive to an upset. Status: controversial highway plan that would privatize the state's toll SAFE BOSMA. road (Evansville Courier & Press). Hoy said it would have House District 89: Republican: State Rep. Larry been unconscionable to vote for the plan. Republican Andrew Buell. Democrat: John F. Barnes. 2004 Results: Buell G. Smith launched the attack on Hoy on Friday, saying Hoy's 15,391. 2006 Forecast: Democrats had hoped that vote against House Bill 1008, named Major Moves by Gov. Indianapolis Councilor Mary Moriarty Adams would challenge Mitch Daniels, was a vote against a bill "providing $700 mil- Buell. If that had happened, Buell would have been vulnera- lion of startup funding for the direct-route Evansville-to- ble due to the changing demographics of his district in a Indianapolis I-69." Transportation officials have said if the bill potentially Democratic year. But Adams passed, and Buell is passed, they are still months away from seeking bids for I- can breathe a little easier. Not much is known about Barnes, 69. "The citizens of Evansville and Southwestern Indiana who filed on Tuesday. Status: LEANS BUELL.  have been waiting, literally, decades for this much-needed road," Smith said. "We finally have a real way forward, rather HOWEY Political Report Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006

Opposition to merger Lubbers, R-Indianapolis, presented an human sperm." If passed, it would be amendment that gutted the legislation. one of the furthest-reaching abortion bill grows The opponents who packed the commit- consent laws in the country. INDIANAPOLIS - Local backers tee room and spilled out into the hall- and opponents of government consoli- way were told they could not testify for Powder in envelop dation in or against moving the test to early May Vanderburgh from the fall. Sen. Earline Rogers, D- shutters Statehouse County headed Gary, said the ISTEP switch likely would INDIANAPOLIS - State police to the Indiana have failed had Lubbers called for vote. temporarily shuttered the Capitol build- Statehouse on ing Wednesday afternoon after an aide Wednesday to School transfer bill to House Speaker Brian Bosma, R- say they oppose Indianapolis, opened mail containing an House Bill 1344 passes Senate unidentified coarse white powder (Times (Evansville Courier & Press). Sen. INDIANAPOLIS - A House of Northwest Indiana). The scare closed Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, is the panel has approved Senate legislation the Capitol for about a half-hour. The main Senate sponsor of the bill, which making it easier for students to choose building never was evacuated, but those would establish a referendum in 2006 their school or school district (South outside temporarily were prohibited from on whether to continue with unification Bend Tribune). Senate Bill 60 does not entering. The start of some afternoon talks. If a majority of two separate pools break new ground, as the state Board of committee meetings was delayed by a of voters - city residents and county res- Education already can authorize student few minutes. No one was harmed, but idents living outside the city - approve transfers at parents' request. But the the FBI is analyzing the substance that the ballot question, a study commission proposed legislation allows parents to spilled from the envelope, Bosma told would develop a detailed merger plan. apply directly to another school for reporters. An initial test gave no indica- But after both sides spoke against transfer, with approval by the school tion of anthrax or other harmful agents. aspects of the bill, Becker jokingly said principal and district superintendent, or maybe it should just die. "From the testi- by the district school board. Bill sponsor Martin County wants mony, it seems nobody likes this bill," Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said it Becker said. Sen. Larry Lutz, D- reflects "a customer service approach to to shift back to Eastern Evansville, is a co-sponsor of the bill schooling" that is available in most SHOALS - A southwestern and said it is a tool to let voters have states. Indiana county that was allowed to their voices be heard. "Whether Sen. move to the Central time zone might Becker and I support consolidation is Changes in informed now ask all of its neighbors to choose not the issue before you today, the way Eastern time instead (Louisville Courier- I see it," Lutz told committee members. consent bill coming Journal). The Martin County Council "It's letting the voting public decide." INDIANAPOLIS - A Senate asked its attorney this week to draft a committee likely will make significant resolution calling for a united move by Lubbers guts changes to a bill that would require clin- all southwestern Indiana counties -- ics to inform women seeking abortions Martin included -- for Eastern time. ISTEP bill that life begins at conception, the Frances K. Taylor, the county's auditor, INDIANAPOLIS - A key senator panel's chairman said yesterday yesterday said that the resolution proba- scrapped the governor's plan to move (Louisville Courier-Journal). Sen. bly will be ready by the end of the the ISTEP-Plus student achievement Patricia Miller, who heads the Health month. County officials have scheduled test to the spring on Wednesday, sur- and Provider Services Committee, said a meeting Feb. 22 to discuss time prising dozens of local educators who changes will be offered during a com- zones. "They're also pursuing trying to showed up to oppose the effort mittee meeting next week, when she get the southwestern counties to form a (Guinane, Times of Northwest Indiana). anticipates a vote on two abortion bills. bloc and commit to one time zone or Even members of the Senate Education One would require doctors to tell another," she said. "The whole idea is to and Career Development Committee women seeking abortions that a fetus be consistent so there won't be lines complained they weren't notified of the may feel pain. It also would require drawn in the middle of state or in the change until minutes before the panel abortion providers to give women writ- middle of our southwestern portion." met. With the move to spring facing ten information that "human life begins  strong opposition, Chairwoman Theresa when a human ovum is fertilized by a